Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Oman. 

 

Road travel  

 

If you are a visitor you can drive an Omani rental car using your EU driving licence. If you are applying for residence in Oman you can also drive on an EU driving licence until your residency permit is issued. After that, you will need to apply for an Omani driving licence within 6 weeks of receiving your residence card. Residents may find that a EU driving licence is not deemed valid for insurance purposes if an accident occurs.

 

Driving is on the right. If you are involved in a major road traffic accident you must stay with your vehicle and call the Royal Oman Police (ROP) on 9999. If you are involved in a minor accident, it may not be necessary to call the police, but you must follow the procedures set out on the ROP website. You must keep a Minor Road Traffic Accident form in your car. You can get one from the ROP website or from your insurance company. Car rental companies are responsible for keeping forms in their cars.

 

Driving can be dangerous outside Muscat; there is a risk of hitting wandering camels and goats on the road. Rainfall can cause sudden and severe flooding in dry riverbeds and on roads that cross them.

 

The standard of Omani roads is generally good. Driving standards in Oman are not always as disciplined as those in the UK, and the rate of traffic accidents in Oman is significantly higher.

 

The Omani authorities strictly enforce traffic laws, and there are strong punishments for traffic offences. You must wear a seat belt when in the front seat of a car, and it is illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving. Speed limits are clearly posted on major roads. There is zero tolerance towards drink-driving.

 

Excursions to the desert and mountains can be dangerous unless you are in an adequately equipped 4x4 vehicle. Always travel in convoy, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone (or satellite phone) and leave a copy of your travel plans with friends or relatives. You should also make sure you’re insured. 

 

Sea travel

 

Piracy is a threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Piracy has occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. The FCO advise against all but essential travel by yacht and leisure craft on the high seas (more than 12 nautical miles from shore) in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and part of the Indian Ocean bounded by the following latitude and longitude: 15°N in the Red Sea, 23°N in the Arabian Sea, 78°E and 15°S in the Indian Ocean.

 

Many areas of the Gulf of Aden are highly sensitive. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected, and there have been occasional arrests. You should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or visiting ports. You should also consider how regional tensions may affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.

 

The safety of tourist boats may not be up to standards. Make sure life jackets are available for all passengers.

 

Political situation

 

There’s a possibility of unannounced demonstrations throughout the country. You should avoid all demonstrations.

 

Developments in the Middle East continue to have an impact on local public opinion. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. Follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.

 

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Oman is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. Women should dress modestly in public areas. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible. You should not wear swimming attire in public areas, except on tourist beaches or swimming pools. Women wearing shorts, or tight-fitting clothes, are likely to attract attention.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

Hobbies that involve cameras and binoculars like bird watching and plane spotting may be misunderstood - particularly if you are near military sites, government buildings and airports.

 

The use of bad language, rude gestures or public displays of affection may get you into trouble with the police.

 

Carry a copy of your passport, or your Omani ID if you are a resident, at all times for identification and keep the original document in a safe place.

 

If you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debt or are a child subject to a custody dispute, you may be prevented from leaving the country. You could be fined and/or detained if you overstay or fail to extend your legal residency. You can be fined up to OMR10 per day up to a maximum of OMR500 for overstaying.

 

Importing drugs and pornography into Oman is illegal and can lead to imprisonment.

 

The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession, of even residual amounts, of drugs are severe. In some cases, the death penalty could apply. There is no distinction in Omani law between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ drugs; both are treated with equal severity.

 

Residents can get a licence to drink alcohol at home, and licensed hotels and restaurants also sell alcohol. It is an offence to drink, or be drunk, in public. The legal age for drinking alcohol is 21.

 

Homosexuality is illegal in Oman.

 

Healthcare facilities in Oman are similar to those in the West. Foreign nationals are required to use the private healthcare system. Visitors who don’t have travel insurance or the means to settle any charges may be prevented from leaving the country until the debt is paid. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 9999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Terrorism

 

Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places.

 

Entry Requirements

The border with Yemen remains open, but you may experience delays of up to a week or more, before being considered for entry into Oman. The Omani border authorities may ask for proof of onward travel out of Oman before allowing you to enter the country. You’ll also be expected to be able to cover the cost of accommodation, insurance and onward travel. The UK government’s ability to help is limited.

 

Oman requires foreign nationals to pay all outstanding debts and traffic fines prior to departure. If you have not paid fines before departure you may experience delays or be prevented from leaving the country. Fines can be paid at the airport.

 

Visas

 

EU citizens don’t need to get a visa before travelling to Oman. You can get a visa on arrival at any land, sea or air entry port in the country.

 

A one-month tourist visa costs Omani Rials (OMR) 20. You can extend this by 30 days for a further OMR20.

 

If you are staying in Oman for less than 10 days you can get a tourist visa on entry for OMR5. This visa can be extended by 10 days for an additional OMR10 at the airport or the immigration office (in Seeb, near the airport).

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Oman.

 

The Omani authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are valid for entry and exit in Oman however they must have at least 6 months’ remaining validity. If you’re not resident in Oman, or you’re under the age of 16, you’ll need to get an exit stamp before you can leave. This can cause severe delays and may prevent you for leaving on your booked flight. Check your passport carefully to make sure it’s legal and valid so that you don’t need an Emergency Travel Document.

 

Travelling with medication

 

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines available in the EU are banned substances in Oman. If you are travelling to Oman with prescription drugs, carry a copy of the prescription. For further information, check with Oman’s Ministry of Health well in advance of travel.

 

Monsoons

 

While Oman’s climate is generally dry, heavy rains do fall, usually in the winter. Flash floods can cause injuries and deaths. Check local weather forecasts and seek advice about travelling conditions particularly if you are considering any off-road travel and adventure tourism, including to Wadi areas (dry riverbeds).